A satellite's speed in orbit is increased. How does this affect the satellite's orbit?
Understand the Problem
The question concerns the relationship between a satellite's orbital speed and its resulting orbital altitude. It requires understanding how changes in speed affect the satellite's trajectory and whether it moves to a higher or lower orbit, remains in the same orbit, or falls back to Earth.
Answer
Increasing a satellite's orbital speed causes it to move to a higher orbit, potentially creating an elliptical path or escaping orbit completely.
If a satellite's speed in orbit is increased, it will move to a higher orbit, typically resulting in an elliptical path. If the speed is increased too much the satellite will escape orbit.
Answer for screen readers
If a satellite's speed in orbit is increased, it will move to a higher orbit, typically resulting in an elliptical path. If the speed is increased too much the satellite will escape orbit.
More Information
The new orbit will be elliptical unless additional corrections are made to maintain a circular orbit. If the speed increases excessively, the satellite can overcome Earth's gravity and escape into space.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming the satellite maintains the same orbital path despite the increased speed. The increased speed changes the balance between inertia and gravitational pull, resulting in a higher orbit.
Sources
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